Hopeful Angels journey Te Araroa

We are the Applegrove family (Appletons and Sadgroves) and we love tramping. We plan to walk/run/bike/kayak (over the next couple of years) from Cape Reinga to Bluff - yep 3000km!

We are calling on you generous lovelies to sponsor us or join us. Our aim is to raise at least $1 per km and donate to the following charities:

1. Bald Angels Charitable Trust, who support the most vulnerable youth of Northland.

2. Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, who work towards creating a society free from discrimination, where all people enjoy positive mental health and wellbeing.

My own journey of mental illness began 20 years ago when I first became a mum. My overwhelming fear of failure, or being unable to provide for my family and keep them safe turned into a debilitating anxiety disorder. Eventually I found relief from the best therapy ever - tramping. Whether in the bush or beside a stream - I felt in control and my fear began to turn into freedom. Now I would much rather be out of breath from climbing a mountain than sitting on the couch working my way through a panic attack!

We want to support all young people to find hope, to thrive, to flourish and to find purpose in life.

We want them to know that no mountain is too high when you have others climbing it with you.